Police warning against council tax scams (From Falmouth Packet)

Police warning against council tax scams

11:10am Friday 5th February 2010

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Devon and Cornwall police are asking residents to be vigilant following a spate of council tax-based phone scams.

Police have received reports of people being contacted by callers stating that they have credit on their council tax account, which they can have refunded. They are then asked to supply the caller with details of their bank account so that the refund can be deposited.

A police spokesman said: “One of the warning signs to watch out for is when you receive an unsolicited letter, phone call or e-mail. If the offer seems too good to be true, then it probably is.

“Never divulge personal, financial details over the phone or web to unsolicited contacts.

“We are treating these incidents as fraud and potential fraud. We advise members of the public who receive any such calls to never give financial details out over the phone without confirming that the caller is genuine.”

Anyone who is called or contacted regarding such refunds is advised not to divulge any details and report the incident to police and to their issuing council.

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